Defense finally shows it can create turnovers

SAN DIEGO – Throughout training camp, the defensive coaches have stressed the importance of creating turnovers.

On Saturday night, that point of emphasis finally paid off.

The Cowboys edged the Chargers 16-14 because the created three takeaways.

The turnovers led to nine points, including the game-winning safety with 3:46 left.

Cornerbacks Terence Newman and Cletis Gordon had interceptions for Dallas. Not bad for a team that recorded only 11 interceptions last season.

Not to be outdone, rookie CB Barry Church scooped up a fumble caused by linebacker Bradie James and returned it 80 yards to set up Tony Romo’s 9-yard TD pass to Miles Austin.

Then, late in the fourth quarter, linebacker Victor Butler had a strip sack that led to the safety.

“We are trying to get the ball out,” James said. “We try to work on it every day. People have been asking us how we can improve, it’s just creating turnovers. You saw that tonight. If we wouldn’t have gotten any turnovers, we wouldn’t have won the game. Hands down, point blank, period.

“We can’t expect our offense to score 40 points every game. We are going against great offenses ourselves. Sometimes you can’t stop everybody, so you got to create turnovers.”